David Robertson

Replacing Mariano Rivera was supposed to be an impossible task and Robertson wasn't exactly a carbon copy of his predecessor, but he took the baton smoothly and had it not been for two disastrous outi...

While the Yankees have been cautious about anointing Robertson the heir apparent to Mariano Rivera, Robertson's performance over the past several seasons certainly justify giving him the job. All of Robertson's peripheral statistics back up his more obvious high strikeout rate and low ERA; his BABIP against in 2013 was .293, and his 6.8% HR/FB was fairly consistent with his career norm. If the fact that the Yankees haven't guaranteed Robertson the closer job knocks a few dollars of his draft day value, jump in and enjoy the numbers of this potential top-10 closer provided that clear-cut veteran option is not obtained before spring training.

2013

Robertson appeared to be next in line to close when Mariano Rivera went down, but some relative struggles and a minor injury opened the door for Rafael Soriano, returning Robertson to his eighth-inning role. While he wasn't quite as dominant as he'd been in 2011, Robertson was still very good with a 12.0 K/9, and dramatically lowering his walk rate from 4.7 to 2.8 BB/9. Robertson has fantasy value even in his setup role, and he appears to be the fallback option behind Rivera as the closer-in-waiting.

2012

Robertson was one of the most valuable setup men in the game in 2011, cementing himself as the next in line should Mariano Rivera ever falter or retire. Robertson's numbers speak for themselves: he struck out an incredible 100 batters in 66.2 innings and his ERA was a sparkling 1.08. He can get himself into trouble with walks occasionally, averaging 4.73 BB/9IP, but Robertson's fantastic power stuff can often get him out of tough spots. Even if he doesn't close many games, Robertson can serve as a valuable staff filler because of the strikeouts (he struck out more hitters than starter Ivan Nova), and he's a particularly great pick if you want to insure an investment in Rivera.

2011

Robertson made his mark as a strikeout machine in 2009 and lived up to those expectations again in 2010, fanning 71 batters in 61.1 innings. Despite a few rough patches, he was one of manager Joe Girardi's favorite bullpen arms and will again be one of the Yankees' most-used relievers in 2011. Command is the biggest area of concern here; Robertson's walk rate has increased every year he's been in the majors.

2010

Robertson solidified his reputation as a young strikeout machine in 2009, fanning 63 in 43.2 innings, resulting in a 12.98 K/9IP ratio that ranked first among AL relievers who pitched more than 40 innings. If Phil Hughes moves into the rotation this season, Robertson should slide into a more vital bullpen role, possibly sharing setup duties with lefty Damaso Marte. After improving in nearly all facets from 2008 to 2009 (ERA, H/9IP, HR/9IP, K:BB), he certainly appears capable of handling such a promotion.

2009

Robertson continued his ascent through the minors in 2008 and eventually had two stints with the Yankees starting in late June. Big league hitters were able to make more contact against him than those at his minor league stops, but Robertson still posted a 10.68 K/9IP rate in 30.1 innings for the Yankees. Featuring a low-90s cutter, curveball and a slider, Robertson appears to have a very bright future in the Yankees bullpen. Despite being undersized at 5-foot-11, Robertson has a closer's stuff, even if he'll be confined to middle relief and eventually a set-up role in New York. There will be plenty of competition for spots during spring training, so he'll head back to Triple-A and be one of the first relievers brought up if he's unable to earn a roster spot during spring training.